In cats, urinary problems are common and the causes are enormously varied. Even today, the real causes are not entirely known.

TERMINOLOGY

Let’s start with the names, which, to designate this syndrome, are numerous. During urinary problems you will hear the words urinary tract infection, cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), urolithiasis (stones or small stones lodged somewhere in the urinary tract), FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) but more often of FUS (Feline Urological Syndrome) and urinary blockage (when the cat is completely blocked, so impossible for him to urinate).

SYMPTOMES

It is here that the owner of a cat, especially an indoor cat, must be very vigilant because the first symptoms of the problem are not always very apparent.

In the early hours the cat will have some difficulty in urinating, he will make several visits to his litter by spending more and more time. After several efforts, not very successful, he can try elsewhere in the house. Often in the bath or sink, on a bed or on carpets, the cat believing that litter is responsible for his pain.

Later, it becomes very painful, it will cry, will lick continuously the genital area and often you will see a few drops of blood in the urine, if urine there is.

STRESS ans ANXIETY

The veterinary surgeon, naturally with the help of the owner, will have to look for risk factors by asking relevant questions. It will go beyond the mere mark of food. He will ALWAYS find some form of stress or anxiety experienced by the patient a few weeks or even days before the onset of his pathology. Stress is everything that changes the environment of the animal. He becomes nervous, uncomfortable and fearful.

Here are some examples of stressful situations for a cat:

► Here are some examples of stressful situations for a cat:► Moving, boarding, renovations, new furniture.► The outdoor cat become an indoor cat or a new cat in the house.► School holidays and the three-day weekend, changes in work schedules.► Thunderstorms, visiting his veterinarian and hospitalization.► A new family member, party at home, the death of a person.► The presence of many cats at home.► Dirty litter, or difficult access, or insufficient numbers. (Very important)

RECOMMENDATIONS

As a result of this problem, water consumption is very important, and since the cat naturally drinks very little, canned food will be strongly recommended.

The use of an automatic waterer will be beneficial. The cat must drink copiously if we want to avoid recurrences.

Identify the problem of anxiety or stress and avoid it if possible.

It is important to know that the more cats there are in the house, the higher the percentage of recidivism.

For litter, after a problem of this nature, unscented litter should be used. Experts will tell you that there must be more litter than the number of cats in the house. Its not always easy. It must always be very clean and disinfected once a week.

An indoor cat must be able to climb, hide, scratch, have room to eat, drink and sleep and not always compete with other cats in the house. He must also have toys.